Identity theft and tax fraud are serious concerns, and the IRS takes significant steps to protect taxpayers. If you've received a notice from the IRS asking you to verify your identity, it means they've flagged your tax return as potentially fraudulent, or they need to confirm your identity to prevent future fraud. Don't panic, but do act promptly. This lengthy guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you navigate the IRS identity verification system with confidence.
How to Verify Identity with the IRS: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
So, you've received a letter from the IRS asking you to verify your identity. Your first thought might be, "Is this a scam?" This is a valid concern, as scammers often impersonate the IRS. Crucially, the IRS will never initiate contact by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information, nor will they threaten lawsuits or arrests over the phone. If you received a physical letter (typically a 5071C, 5447C, or 5747C notice), it's likely legitimate. Now, let's get you verified!
Step 1: Understand Why You Received the Letter and What it Means
Before you do anything, take a deep breath and carefully read the notice you received.
- Why me? The IRS proactively identifies and stops the processing of potentially fraudulent tax returns. If they suspect someone may have filed a return using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), they will send you one of these letters. This is their way of protecting you from identity theft and preventing someone else from receiving your refund.
- Key Information on the Letter:
- Notice Number: Look for the notice number, typically in the top right corner (e.g., 5071C, 5447C, 5747C). This number is important as it dictates which verification method you can use.
- Tax Year: The letter will specify the tax year for which the identity verification is required.
- Instructions: Pay close attention to the instructions provided, including any specific verification codes or phone numbers.
If you didn't file a tax return for the year in question, this letter is even more critical, as it likely means someone else tried to file one in your name. This is a strong indicator of identity theft, and verifying your identity quickly can help prevent further issues.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation
Regardless of the verification method you choose, having the right documents readily available will significantly expedite the process. This is not the time to be searching for old tax records!
Sub-heading: Essential Documents for All Verification Methods
- The IRS letter/notice you received (e.g., 5071C, 5447C, or 5747C). This letter contains crucial information needed for verification.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your date of birth.
- Your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly,
Head of Household). - Your prior-year tax return. This is critical. Make sure it's the actual Form 1040-series tax return, not just a W-2 or 1099.
- The tax return for the year shown on the notice or letter (if you filed one). Again, the actual Form 1040-series.
- Any supporting W-2s, 1099s, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc. related to the tax returns you're using for verification.
Sub-heading: Additional Documents for Online and In-Person Verification
If you plan to verify online or in person, you'll need a valid government-issued photo identification.
- Valid federal or state government-issued picture identification, such as:
- Driver's License
- State ID
- Passport
- Passport Card
Step 3: Choose Your Verification Method
The IRS offers several ways to verify your identity. The most common and often fastest method is online, but phone and in-person options are also available. Your specific letter might direct you to a particular method.
Sub-heading: Option A: Online Verification (Recommended for most)
The IRS has partnered with ID.me, a trusted technology provider, to handle online identity verification for many of its services. This is generally the quickest and most convenient method.
- Visit the IRS Identity and Tax Return Verification Service: Go to idverify.irs.gov or the specific URL provided in your IRS letter.
- Sign In or Create an ID.me Account:
- If you already have an ID.me account (perhaps from another government agency), simply sign in with your existing credentials.
- If you're a new user, you'll need to create an ID.me account. This process involves:
- Providing your personal email.
- Setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
- Choosing a verification method:
- Self-Service (Fastest): This typically takes 5-10 minutes. You'll need a smartphone with a camera, a photo ID (U.S. driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or U.S. passport card), and your Social Security Number. You will upload your ID and take a video selfie to verify that your face matches the photo on your ID.
- Video Call: If self-service doesn't work, you can opt for a video call with an ID.me Video Chat Agent. You'll upload your documents beforehand and then connect with an agent to present your physical, original documents.
- Consent to Share Information: Once logged in and your identity verified with ID.me, you'll need to consent to share your verified identity information with the IRS. Review the information the IRS will receive and select "Allow" to proceed.
- Answer Tax Return Questions: This is a crucial step that many people miss! After verifying your identity with ID.me, you must return to the IRS Identity and Tax Return Verification Service page and sign in again to answer specific questions about your tax return.
- Have your IRS notice and a copy of the tax return for the year shown in the notice ready.
- If you did file a tax return, you'll answer questions about it.
- If you didn't file a tax return, you will indicate this on the website. This helps the IRS know you are a victim of identity theft.
- Await Confirmation: The IRS will typically send you a confirmation once your identity and tax return information have been successfully verified.
Sub-heading: Option B: Phone Verification
If you cannot verify online, or if your letter specifically instructs you to call, phone verification is an option.
- Locate the Toll-Free Number: The IRS letter you received will have a specific toll-free number for identity verification (often 800-830-5084). Do not call the general IRS customer service line as they may not be equipped to handle identity verification calls quickly.
- Have ALL Documents Ready: Before you call, ensure you have all the essential documents listed in Step 2. The IRS representative will ask you detailed questions to confirm your identity and the information on your tax return.
- Be Patient: Wait times can be long, especially during peak tax season. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy call.
- Answer Questions Accurately: The representative will ask a series of questions about your personal information and your tax return to verify your identity. Be honest and accurate.
- Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the representative's instructions and follow them precisely.
Sub-heading: Option C: In-Person Verification
In some cases, or if you prefer, you may be able to verify your identity in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).
- Check Your Letter or Call: Your IRS letter might provide instructions for in-person verification, or you may need to call the IRS (the number on your letter) to inquire about this option and schedule an appointment.
- Schedule an Appointment: You typically cannot just walk into an IRS TAC. You will need to schedule an appointment.
- Bring All Required Documents:
- The IRS letter (5747C, etc.).
- The Form 1040-series tax return referenced in the letter (if you filed one).
- A valid federal or state government-issued picture identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- If additional verification is required, a prior-year tax return (other than the year in the letter), if available.
- Supporting documents for each year's tax return you filed (Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc.).
- Proof of address: Utility bill, voter registration card, or current school records matching the address on your ID.
- Be Prepared for Questions: An IRS representative will review your documents and ask questions to verify your identity.
Step 4: After Verification – What Happens Next?
Once you've successfully verified your identity, either online, by phone, or in person:
- Processing of Your Return/Refund: If you filed a tax return, the IRS will resume processing it. This includes issuing any refund you may be due. Be aware that it can still take several weeks for your return to be fully processed after identity verification.
- Monitor Your Account: Keep an eye on your IRS online account (if you have one) and your mail for any further communications from the IRS.
- Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): The IRS may offer or even recommend that you obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for future tax years. This is a 6-digit number that helps prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your SSN or ITIN. You can generally opt into the IP PIN program through your IRS online account.
- Report Identity Theft: If you discovered you were a victim of identity theft during this process (e.g., someone filed a return in your name when you didn't), it's crucial to take further steps:
- File Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports.
Important Considerations and Tips
- Respond Promptly: Ignoring an IRS identity verification letter can lead to significant delays in processing your tax return and refund, and can leave you vulnerable to further identity theft.
- Keep Records: Always keep copies of all IRS correspondence and any documents you submit.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communication: Remember, the IRS will never call, text, or email you out of the blue asking for personal information or threatening legal action. If in doubt, assume it's a scam and contact the IRS directly using official numbers from their website, not numbers provided in suspicious communications.
- Protect Your Information: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible, and be wary of phishing attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if the IRS letter I received is legitimate?
A legitimate IRS identity verification letter (typically 5071C, 5447C, or 5747C) will be sent via mail and will never ask you to email personal information or click on suspicious links. The IRS does not initiate contact via email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information.
How to access the IRS Identity and Tax Return Verification Service online?
You can access the service by going to the official IRS website at idverify.irs.gov or by following the specific link provided in your legitimate IRS letter.
How to create an ID.me account for IRS identity verification?
To create an ID.me account, go to the IRS identity verification page, select the option to create a new account, and follow the prompts to provide your email, set up multi-factor authentication, and choose a verification method (self-service with photo ID and selfie, or video call).
How to verify my identity with ID.me if I don't have a smartphone?
While the self-service option is fastest with a smartphone, you can choose the video call option with ID.me. This allows you to connect with a live agent who can verify your identity using uploaded documents and by presenting your physical IDs via webcam on a computer.
How to get a copy of my prior year tax return for verification?
You can usually obtain a copy of your prior year tax return from your tax software provider, tax preparer, or by requesting a transcript from the IRS through your IRS online account or by mail.
How to verify my identity if I didn't file a tax return for the year in question?
Even if you didn't file a return, you must still verify your identity with the IRS. Use the online service (idverify.irs.gov) or call the number on your letter. During the process, you'll indicate that you did not file a tax return, which helps the IRS recognize potential identity theft.
How to get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?
After successfully verifying your identity, you may be eligible to enroll in the IP PIN program through your IRS online account. This will provide you with a 6-digit PIN for future tax filings to prevent fraudulent returns.
How to contact the IRS if I have trouble verifying my identity online?
If you have trouble with the online ID.me verification, visit the ID.me IRS Help Site. For general IRS tax-related inquiries or if you received a specific letter, call the phone number listed on your IRS notice or visit the IRS website for contact options.
How to verify identity if I'm under 18 years old?
ID.me typically does not verify individuals under 18. If you are under 18 and need to verify your identity with the IRS, you may need to use an alternative option, such as contacting the IRS by phone or visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Center in person.
How to report suspected tax identity theft or fraud?
If you suspect tax identity theft or fraud, file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.